I have caught some flack due to my post about Dr. Tony Evans. I have heard things like “you are taking this too far”, or “so what”, and even “whats wrong with talking about generational curses” and better yet “I can attest to having a generational curse”. Now I this isn’t hyperbole here. These are direct quotes from people, for the most part, who love God and are in solid churches. I sat back, scrathced my head and said to myself “self, maybe you are taking this overboard”. Shortly after I slapped myself for being soft and proceeded to write this post. Now the questions posed are sincere; however, I also think it is common today due to our postmodern culture (postmodernism is not relegated to Christian no Christian only, it also is huge within evangelical circles). We live in an era where truth has become even less than relative. Truth has become altogether elusive and once again I am speaking within the Body of Christ. We as Christians spend much less time reading our bibles and building a sound and solid theological foundation, which in turn leads to lack of biblical discernment, which in turn leads to these types of questions and other questions such as “why is it important if we have resurrection bodies” or “so what if Christ was married” and even “all the bible can’t be true can it”. These are questions that I have been asked in the last two months so once again no exaggeration involved.
So, what about this generational curse tid bit? Is it important? Is it something that should just be overlooked? Does this doctrine infringe on the essentials (it is funny how we immediately appeal to essentials as if wrestling through truth should only focus on essentials)? My answer to each of these are an emphatic YES!!!! If I thought this was a slip of the tongue or maybe even something we can easily ignore, I would have not posted it. It also became a heavy issue when it came from the mouth of Dr. Tony Evans ( a man I have highly esteemed and someone though he knows it or not had a huge impact on me coming out of Word of Faith and Unorthodox churches). So why all the fuss Mr. Woods? Good question and I am ecstatic you have asked!
My first issue is biblical faithfulness. We live in an era where experience has taken precedent over the bible. So instead of the bible defining us, we define (or make truth subjective) the bible. Thus as Dr. Evans uses the theological term “curse” we have to see how the bible defines this and after we figure that out we proceed to see if it is properly applied. So exactly what is a curse? The only biblical definitions that I could find that would fit the context are the Greek words: epikataratos (Galatians 3) katara (also Galatians 3) and anathema (Galatians 1, the famous “another Gospel” verse). The definitions are:
epikataratos: accursed, execrable, exposed to divine vengeance, lying under God’s curse
katara: an execration, imprecation, curse
anathema (accursed): a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction; a curse; a man accursed, devoted to the direst of woes
Now due to the fact, Dr. Evans does not provide a shred of biblical evidence nor any real context (which many Word of Faith adherents do) I can’t tell you in which of these words he is actually applying in this little devotion. Here is the quote and I want you to attempt to figure it out:
“Yet we need to know God´s truth about generational curses and how to live free of their bondages.A generational curse is passed down from one generation to another due to rebellion against God. If your family line is marked by divorce, incest, poverty, anger or other ungodly patterns, you’re most likely under a generational curse.”
As Dr. Evans says “we need to know God’s truth” I automatically assume he is referring to the Holy Scriptures, unless there is some extra-biblical revelation being hinted towards here which I don’t believe is (I am giving the benefit of the doubt here). So the next question should be asked, in how is a generational curse passed down, and how do I know if I have one or not. Dr. Evans goes on to say “Yet we need to know God´s truth about generational curses and how to live free of their bondages.A generational curse is passed down from one generation to another due to rebellion against God. If your family line is marked by divorce, incest, poverty, anger or other ungodly patterns, you’re most likely under a generational curse“. Yet we need to know God´s truth about generational curses and how to live free of their bondages.A generational curse is passed down from one generation to another due to rebellion against God. If your family line is marked by divorce, incest, poverty, anger or other ungodly patterns, you’re most likely under a generational curse”. So from what I can gather, due to the sins of my ancestors, I can be currently under a generational curse. Or in other words, it not only the presence of indwelling sin that I have a battle against, I also have this generational curse that I have to war against. Now I want to provide some scriptures to help shine some light on this issue.
1. The New Nature
Romans 6:4-11 :
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Our New Inheritance as Adopted Sons and Daughters:
Titus 3:4-6
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Romans 8:12-17
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Galatians 3:27-29
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
This really takes about a 10 page essay so a lot of the context and verses and explanations have been excluded to fit this into a blog where it will not be ignored halfway through. As believers we have been given a new heart (Ezek 36), we are a new creation (Gal 2, 2 Cor 5), we have the power to conquer sin (Romans 6) we have been buried with Christ and raised anew (Romans 6) we have been regenerated (Titus 3), we have been adopted as sons and daughters (Romans 8, Ephesians 1, Galatians 4).
This is why I have a problem with this doctrine. It is unbiblical and thus false! Listen people, we have to start being more discerning than ever before. I am not calling Dr. Evans an apostate, but I am saying that every teacher (even the ones I esteem highly) are in danger of becoming apostate. Every teacher is also, in danger of teaching false doctrine and that is why Christ is the “head” of the Church. We are given the right to question anything coming out of pulpits if the Holy Spirit convicts us of a particular teaching. That is why Christ has made us the “priesthood of believers”. We are to submit to our teachers and elders, but that doesn’t mean that we ignore or overlook heretical teaching, which this clearly is. If we continue down the current state of the church we are in danger of being the next Rome! No one was able (or capable by their standards) to question the doctrine of the Church. Others were afraid until God sent Wycliffe, Luther and Calvin along to challenge such authority.
Now if Paul was tested by the Bereans, how much more should someone else be tested. We have an obligation to adhere to “sound doctrine”. We are to carefully “watch our doctrine” (1 Timothy 4, 6 and Titus 1). I ask those who easily came to the defense of Dr. Evans, “what say the scriptures”? Are we becoming followers of men or Christ? Dr. Evans has been found in the bed with some of the greatest heretics of our day and this is just the fruit bearing from such relationships. Let us please be on watch as the day draws near. Let us carefully and prayerfully examine the text daily, spend time with God on our knees and pray for wise biblical discernment. Many our falling by the wayside, I pray that you and I will not join them!
I too was impressed with Dr. Evans and The Urban Alternative. He has a clear and precise style of presenting the Gospel. Like others I was terribly dissapointed to read his devotional on “Generational Curses”. For me this is a recycled message that once tripped me up years ago. I could never understand how ancestors I had never met, are in some way the cause of any current rebellion against God that I may engage in. That idea goes against the “personal” relationship that I have with God through faith in Jesus. Some, perhaps many will come to the defense of Dr. Evans. But I think they are supporting the celebrity of Dr. Evans, rather than defending the truth of the scriptures. This is further proof that it is vitaly important for each of us to get serious about studying the bible and seeking the Holy Spirit constantly. Step back from the natural and seek to walk, live and think in the Spirit. Don’t allow the flesh to buff up and make us defensive and resistent to seeing things God’s way.
Hello Mr. Woods,
My mother and I are studying to find out more about generational curses. I agree with you that Christians are not under a curse, but I’m trying to find out more about what these curses were and how were they passed down.
I’m not sure what Tony Evans was talking about, and I probably won’t unless I hear something further from him. Actually the last person I remember talking a lot about generational curses was Bob Larson on the radio years ago.
I wanted to ask you about this statement, “but I am saying that every teacher (even the ones I esteem highly) are in danger of becoming apostate”
Please explain what you mean by “becoming apostate”, and how are all teachers (believers & unbelievers) at risk.
Thanks.
WOW you beat me to it. I have to change my angle. I am writing about this now. You stole all my scriptures. That is OK I will get with the Old Covenant..great article by the way-God Bless Sola Christus
[...] http://blackandreformedministries.com/2008/01/08/so-what-is-the-big-deal-a-post-discussing-my-issue-… Also, for good study material on the issue, these can be considered (though please note that I [...]
If someone could please help me out, I’d like to know where anyone was defending Mr. Evans or saying that he’s 100% in the clear.
Not trying to start anything, but it seems as those who may be cautious on the subject seem to have gotten the label/vibe of “IN LOVE WITH TONY EVANS”. …
I don’t even listen to the guy, nor do I support what he is about (i.e. chillin with Creflo, Eddie Long, etc), and some of the words offered seem to give the opposite impression as if people like Myself and Mrs.Mav (the only two I’m aware of who brought up concerns) are all about CELEBRITIES….or that the information we offered was FROM EVANS and that we did not go to the Word of God FIRST to study the issue ourselves/did not wish to be discerning (even regarding the Scriptures used in the latest post, which I’ve studied and some I believe are powerful but may not necessarily apply to the discussion…..will share more if asked)
Ho
That, however, may just be me…..
Hello Denise you asked:
“I wanted to ask you about this statement, “but I am saying that every teacher (even the ones I esteem highly) are in danger of becoming apostate”
Please explain what you mean by “becoming apostate”, and how are all teachers (believers & unbelievers) at risk. ”
Great question the statement comes from 2 Timothy 2:3 and is a sign of the last days. This is why Paul tells us to “examine ourselves” and the writer of Hebrews in Chapter 6 and 10 uses the langauage of falling away. We are also challenged to “make our calling and election sure” in 2 Peter 1:10. I believe there are ways to prevent this:
1. Find a biblical church
2. Stay grounded in the word
3. Pray daily that your spirtual eyes are opened
4. Stay humble before the Lord.
5. Biblical Community (small groups, bible studies, never be a loner).
I think these could be great tatics to employ to prevent such a “falling away”! God bless
By the way, if interested, here are some very detailed/in-depth research articles I’ve been studying on the subject. They have many interesting points on all sides of the issue, seem well-balanced on many points, and I think it may bless you Brah.
http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200704/200704_114_GenCurse.cfm
http://www.inplainsite.org/html/generational_curses.html
http://cicministry.org/radio_series.php?series=gencurses
http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/can-a-christian-be-demonized
http://www.shepherdserve.org/mm/mm_07.htm
http://www.russlp.com/dstamen/rfsnofnat.htm & http://www.russlp.com/dstamen/ccurses.htm (which deals with the issue heavily on generational curses/the errors involved in teaching it….especially regarding things such as praying for the sins of one’s ancestry bit by bit when it comes to what’s seen in many deliverance ministries…).
Again, many thanks for placing up the post. I think I see where you’re coming from moreso than before, as it appears that you’re arguing from the standpoint that it seems unfaithful to Scripture to think that once a Believer is in Christ/Following Him, that he or she still needs to go back through their family lines, say prayers, and various other things which the CROSS/BLOOD of Christ and working of the HOLY SPIRIT through His Leading/the Power of His Word is not sufficient enough to deal with. To that, I heartidly agree.
I remember seeing that myself when I experienced the “de-cursing” sessions I went to and wondering “Well, what to do with the Biblical Examples of where Believers seemed to confess their ancestral sins”….and THE LAST two ARTICLEs really helped put some things into better phrasing).
It really is a binding thing to think that even if one is serving Christ/seeking Him passionately that he or she is not truly set free……..and how much more uncessary work it seems to be as well constantly being told “Well, you have a bad habit with smokin/cussing, so you got to take hours upon hours to look into your family line to see your history, repent for each and EVERY thing they did, and then you’ll be FREE!!”.
Keep the main thing (The Gospel) the MAIN THING, IMHO, as that should be efficient….and granted, even if one recognizes that certain things seem to have a paticular history and may be surprised by it, it doesn’t take 200 SESSIONS of prayer/phrases to change.
I guess I’m just confused about the differences between apostate teachers, and false teachers as described in 2 Peter 2. Because my understanding of a false teacher is that they will be destroyed in hell, and I’m not understanding how a truly saved bible teacher – or anyone truly saved – will fall away and end up in hell. I’ll just continue to study more about apostasy and related terms.
Thanks, Mr. Woods.
Hey Denise, they are one in the same. Christ gives a parable of different types of seed. I am under the conviction that the only one that was truely born again was the one that beared fruit. Christ says every tree that does not bear fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Just as the truth of Judas sprung forward so will many in the last days. Christ calls them Sheep and Goat in which He will seperate them (we can’t tell unless someone come out and clearly denies Christ). Christ says in Matthew 7 that “many will come to me on that day”. But he also says “I will say I don’t know you” and “depart from me”. So we can’t tell.
Finally we have some books we can send you to help you along your journey. What church do you go to? Where do you live? Are heart isn’t to expose false teaching but more to help believers along the walk of faith. We would love to get to know you better. Thanks for you patience and let me know if I can clear anything else stated on the site up for you and your mom. I will pray that you find the answer you are looking for.
That is supposed to say “our heart” not are heart!
I think Tony Evans is talking about the curse which sin has upon succeeding generations. The effects of sin are not limited to a single generation, but indeed are passed on. This does not mean that a child who is born into poverty or alcoholism cannot fully experience all the benefits of knowing Christ, and so “break free” so to speak. But it does mean that poverty and alcoholism are curses, in the sense that they are obstacles which he must struggle against, through no fault of his own, but rather stemming from the sins of generations past.
Hey Mark T,
Thanks for coming by. You know a lot of people have told me that, even someone on his staff. The problem is I think if you send something like this out as daily devotions the reader shouldn’t have to dig deep to figure out what you mean. I think this can be articulated in a sentence. But someone on his staff has told me that is what is probably meant, but I can’t see that in what is provided and the subsequent dailys he has sent out.
Thanks, Brother Mark T, for that statement. That’s kind of where I was coming from in previous posts….and part of the reason I thought it’d be beneficial to see what his definitions were behind the terminology since it’s practically in multiple forms/meanings elsewhere.
Peace
Yes it is aposotate all around it. Many people in L.A. back in the 1990’s did not think that Ken Ulmer(cohort of Tony Evans) was a heretic. He came out with Bapticostal which is insanity at its best. You see what has happened to Ken Ken since then. I used to attend a church in Dallas where the pastor came out from Oak Cliff. I used to think Evans and his proteges were right on, now I question them as well big time. they do not speak out aganist the heresy in the church like Evans so as they say the apple does far fall from the tree.
I know this is an oldie but goodie as a post. But I had to comment. And Lionel don’t you dare second guess yourself
and I slap myself at times too! :-0
I want to give an Amen to sam smith. I was there during the early to late 90’s and ran across the same thang constantly. And I wrote TUA/Oak Cliff about “kicking it with Kenny”, and the trouble thing for me was the TUA church conference 99 theme was “The Spirit of Truth and The Spirit of Error”, in which I wrote them every thang that Kenny was bout, from his bapticostalism, word faith leanings, his azuza street connections, etc. all about the time the
Roman Catholics was going crown him cardinal (or whatever it was sam you probably remember) of the Bible Macedonia International whateveritwas…..
They never responded to my letter. I believe the whole generational curses issues boils down to heremeneutics, pick the proof-text, and watch it fall apart right there.
Let’s stop defending a man that’s smart enough to make God’s truth plain. I listened for a little over an hour on a Moody Pastor’s conference trying to give him the benefit of the doubt (back in 04 now), and he gave illustration after illustration, story after story, every thing was very subjective about evangelical success all based on his “God Is Up To Something Great Book”, and not once did he pull up a text of scripture.
I was being gracious trying to give him a chance, but as the days go by he’s getting deeper and darker in the yogurt of abyss!
I recall him denouncing name and claim back in a sermon in 94, but now he’s kicking with Creflo too?
SO, to make a long post longer go to the passage that is being proof texted, do the hermeneutic on it and watch it fall apart.
It doesn’t take a deep detailed study, just look at the word, and in its context.